A 4am start saw us at Al Qudra Lakes by 5:15am just in time for sunrise and to see the flamingos come into land on one of the islets within the largest of the lakes. Al Qudra is a series of man made lakes spread out over 10 hectares and home to more than 100 species of migratory birds. The lakes are located in the plains south east of Dubai.

The flamingos are too far out of reach for my gear, so at this stage I will have to settle for distant silhouettes.